In this content, I would like to give you detailed information about the “triangle with exclamation point” in car. The triangle with exclamation point is also known as the generic warning lamp or the service lamp. If this light came on the dashboard panel of your car, it usually indicates that it is not an emergency, but that there is a problem in your car that needs to be fixed.
The color changes from white for a benign message, to yellow, needs attention, to red, critical. The triangle with exclamation point does not mean anything by itself. Simultaneously with this warning lamp, another warning lamp comes on. When the yellow exclamation mark is lit, it is observed what the other lamp is on and action is taken accordingly.
The specific meaning of this light can depend on the make and model of the vehicle. Look at the table provided below to determine the precise significance of your vehicle.
First of all, this sign can appear in many different situations. For example, in a vehicle in the Volkswagen group, if the wiper fluid is exhausted, the warning light that your wiper fluid is running out will turn on, and then the exclamation mark will turn on within the yellow triangle sign. When you fill your wiper fluid, these 2 warning lamps will disappear by themselves.
This warning light, which has an triangle with exclamation point, also comes on when you brake or skid with your vehicle, when one of the vehicle’s doors is left open, when you forget to apply the handbrake, in case of a malfunction in any of the vehicle’s headlight lamps, or in cases where your vehicle lacks hydraulic oil.
Car Triangle with Exclamation Point
As I mentioned above, the exclamation point in the yellow triangle does not mean anything by itself. Simultaneously with this warning lamp, another warning lamp comes on.
The lamps that usually light up with a yellow/orange exclamation point are as follows.
- Low windshield washer fluid
- Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
- Vehicle service reminder
- Exterior lights malfunction
- Smart Cruise Control malfunction
- LED headlamp malfunction
- High Beam Assist (HBA) malfunction
The specific meaning of this light can depend on the make and model of the vehicle. Look at the table provided below to determine the precise significance of your vehicle.
| Brand | Symbol | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Audi |  |
If there is a serious system malfunction, the display may turn off. The indicator light may also turn on. Stop the vehicle safely. See an authorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service Facility for assistance. |
| Audi |  |
When the ignition is in the ON position, the master warning light illuminates if any of the following is displayed on the vehicle information display. • No key warning • Low windshield-washer fluid warning • Door open warning (when stopped) • Trunk open warning • Loose fuel cap • Low tire pressure warning • AWD warning If the master warning light illuminates and the message(s) are not visible on the vehicle information display, use the buttons located on the steering wheel to navigate the vehicle information display until the “Warnings” screen is displayed. |
| BMW |  |
This warning light alerts you to any malfunctions in the system. It is monitoring if a malfunction should occur with your vehicle. A warning lamp may appear along with a corresponding check control symbol in the center of the instrument cluster. |
| BMW |  |
If the indicator lamp flashes: Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) or Dynamic Traction Control (DTC) is regulating the drive and braking forces. If the indicator lamps are on: DSC or DTC is deactivated. |
| Honda |  |
Blinks when Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) is active. Comes on if there is a problem with the VSA system, brake assist system, hill start assist system, starting assist brake function, or agile handling assist. Stays on constantly – Have your vehicle checked by a dealer. Comes on if the VSA system is deactivated temporarily after the battery has been disconnected, then re-connected. Action to be taken: Drive a short distance at more than 12 mph (20 km/h). The indicator should go off. If it does not, have your vehicle checked by a dealer. |
| Hyundai |  |
This indicator light illuminates when there is a malfunction in operation in any of the following systems: • Exterior lamp malfunction • Blind-Spot Collision Warning (BCW) malfunction (if equipped) • Lane Keeping Assist (LKA) System malfunction (if equipped) • Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) • Service reminder To identify the details of the warning, look at the LCD display. |
| Infiniti |  |
When the ignition is in the ON position, the master warning light illuminates if any of the following are displayed on the vehicle information display. • Parking brake release warning • Door open warning (while moving) • Steering Alert hands on detection warning The warning(s) remain on the vehicle information display until action is taken, or the ignition is placed in the OFF position. |
| Infiniti |  |
When the ignition switch is in the ON position, the master warning light illuminates if any of the following are displayed on the dot matrix liquid crystal display: • No key warning • Low fuel warning • Low washer fluid warning • Parking brake release warning • Door/lift gate open warning • Loose fuel cap warning • Check tire pressure warning |
| Kia |  |
This warning light informs the driver of the following situations: – LED head lamp malfunction (if equipped) • Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go malfunction (if equipped) • Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go radar blind (if equipped) • Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist malfunction (if equipped) • Blind-Spot Collision Warning radar blind (if equipped) • Lamp malfunction • High Beam Assist malfunction • Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) malfunction The Master Warning Light illuminates if one or more of the above warning situations occur. If the warning situation is solved, the master warning light will be turned off. |
| Lexus |  |
A buzzer sounds and the warning light comes on and flashes to indicate that the master warning system has detected a malfunction. Contact any authorized Lexus retailer or Lexus authorized repairer, or any reliable repairer. |
| Mazda |  |
The indication displays if the system has a malfunction. Check the reason for the indication displaying on the center display or multi-information display. |
| Mini Cooper |  |
This symbol indicates that Check Control messages have been stored. Check Control messages can be viewed whenever it is convenient. |
| Mini Cooper |  |
Service due Arrange a service appointment.Note: Lights up in yellow: The engine will start the next time the start/stop button is touched, possibly without the brake or clutch being depressed. |
| Mini Cooper |  |
If the indicator lamp flashes: Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) or Dynamic Traction Control (DTC) is controlling drive and braking forces. If the indicator lamps are on: DSC or DTC is fully deactivated. |
| Mini Cooper |  |
The DSC or DTC is malfunctioning. Driving stability limited during acceleration and cornering. You can continue your journey, but moderate your speed and exercise due caution. Have the system checked as soon as possible. |
| Nissan |  |
When the ignition is in the ON position, the master warning light illuminates if any of the following are displayed on the vehicle information display. • Parking brake release warning • Door open warning (while moving) • Steering Alert hands on detection warning The warning(s) remain on the vehicle information display until action is taken, or the ignition is placed in the OFF position. |
| Nissan |  |
When the ignition is in the ON position, the master warning light illuminates if any of the following are displayed on the vehicle information display. • No key warning • Low windshield-washer fluid warning • Door open warning (when stopped) • Trunk open warning • Loose fuel cap • Low tire pressure warning • AWD warning If the master warning light illuminates and the message(s) are not visible on the vehicle information display, use the buttons located on the steering wheel to navigate the vehicle information display until the “Warnings” screen is displayed. |
| Toyota |  |
A buzzer sounds and the warning light comes on and flashes to indicate that the master warning system has detected a malfunction. Contact any authorized Toyota retailer or Toyota authorized repairer, or any reliable repairer. |
| VW |  |
Central warning light: Read and follow the text messages in the instrument cluster display. |
| VW |  |
Central warning light: Read and follow the text messages in the instrument cluster display. |
In case you are unsure about the meaning of the light, the color of the light can help you to refer to the severity of the issue.
- Yellow triangle with exclamation point: A potential issue or problem that requires attention but may not be immediately critical or dangerous.
- Red triangle with exclamation point: A significant problem or danger that needs immediate attention.
Causes of triangle burning with exclamation mark
It may also light up together with the following important warning lamps.
1. Check Engine Light
There is a situation that will prevent the engine from starting. However, sometimes even because the sensors are dirty, this may cause the warning lamp to come on. But if it is constantly on, the situation is moderately critical. However, if there is a flashing warning, it is a high degree and critical situation. Click for detailed information about the engine fault lamp!
2. Diesel Particulate Filter Warning Light
One of the most common problems in diesel vehicles is the problem of particulate filters. Especially if you use your vehicle a lot in the city, your particulate filter can often become clogged. If you see this light on, travel for 20 minutes in this way at a speed of 70 km on a road away from traffic.
Thanks to the heat that will occur in this way, the soot formed in the particulate filter in diesel vehicles will burn and your filter will be cleaned in this way. However, if you have done this and the problem still persists, then you will need to take your vehicle to the service.
3. EPC (Engineering Procurement and Construction)
If you see this symbol illuminated in your vehicle, it means that there is a problem with the gas system. For example, there may be a problem with equipment such as the accelerator pedal, throttle body, traction control, or cruise control.
4. Glow plug lamp
Diesel cars require preheating. You can see this icon light up on cold winter days or when there is a problem with the glow plug.
5. Engine Oil Light
As you can see when you look at the symbol, it is an oil related situation. However, you may be in a dilemma whether it is engine oil, transmission oil or a different oil in your vehicle. Let’s answer right away, if you see this lamp on, it means that the oil in your vehicle’s engine is less than it should be. If this warning light is on, there is a high and critical situation.
6. ABS
There is a possibility that there is a problem with the ABS system or one of the sensors has failed. Even when the cable is disconnected, the same lamp will turn on. . Sometimes the ESP lamp comes on at the same time as the ABS lamp.
7. ESP (Electronic Stability Program)
The ESP system comes on when it’s raining and the ground is slippery, and it’s an enhancement to keep the driver safe. The working logic of this system follows the rotation speeds through the sensors on the wheels, and when it detects the inconsistency between each other, it reflects on your screen as a warning that the vehicle is skidding, skidding or slipping.
If the ESP lamp is on, then there are two possibilities. First, the system may be closed, or it means that the ground is bad and the weather conditions are not good.
8. Tire pressure light
The pressure in the vehicle tires is monitored through the system in your vehicle. This lamp turns on when the pressure of one or more tires falls below the required values. When you press the normal values of the air you will apply to your tire, the warning icon on the instrument panel will turn off within 3 seconds. If it does not go out, it indicates a malfunction in your vehicle’s system and you may need to take it to the service.
9. Electric steering warning lamp
In today’s technology, the steering wheels of your vehicles are equipped with technological systems so that they can be turned more easily. If there is a problem with this system, the electric steering warning lamp will come on. You may need to take it to your vehicle’s authorized service.
In this content, I tried to give you detailed information about the “triangle with exclamation point“. If this information helped you, please leave your thoughts in the comments.
